Arne Slot was taken by complete surprise after being sacked by Liverpool . Former Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Anfield after Slot’s departure. And the timing appears to be significant because his availability may have been a factor in the timing of the decision to part ways with Slot. The Liverpool owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG), said it had been a “difficult decision” but they did it after a review after the end of the 2025/26 season.